7 Of The Best Credit Cards to Use in UAE

best-dubia-credit-cardsWith so much technological progression in much of the world, the credit card has become not only a choice, but a necessity.

Shopping online, travelling, everyday purchases and school fees – credit cards are now more in use than ever before. Banks are offering very competitive benefit packages with each of their credit card offers.

It can be tricky trying to figure out which are the best credit cards to use in UAE. Here are some cards offered by UAE banks, so you can see at a glance what might be the best for your specific needs.




  1. Emirates NBD Titanium Credit Card

This card is known for its offer of “Plus Points”. It is one of the best credit card to use in the UAE for people who travel and shop both domestically and internationally.

The Emirates NBD Titanium credit card offers users discounts on several lifestyle expenses for the seasoned traveller and shopper. It has one of the lowest annual fees.

Benefits of the Emirates NBD Titanium Card:

  • Discounts on holiday packages
  • Discounts on air tickets
  • 40% discount at over 100 golf courses around the world
  • 1 Plus Point for every AED 100 spent on retail

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Minimum salary to qualify for this card: AED 5000
  • Interest rate: 25%
  • Annual fee: AED 400
  • Foreign exchange charges: 1.84%

7 Best Credit Cards For UAE

  1. Dubai First Platinum Life Card 

The Dubai First Platinum Life has special offers and discounts on a range of entertainment services such as movie tickets, dining, and other leisure activities.

It is one of the best cards to use in the UAE for people who love entertainment.

Benefits of the Dubai First Platinum Life Card:

  • Special offers and discounts on shopping, dining, jewellery, entertainment and wellness
  • Buy-1-Get-1-Free movie tickets
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
  • Insurance protection
  • Valet parking for selected locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Flexible interest rate: 3.19%
  • Annual fee: AED 0 for the first year, renewal is at AED 550
  • Foreign exchange rate: 3.5%
  1. Standard Chartered Platinum Card 

The Standard Chartered Bank Platinum Card is the best credit card for UAE customers who use their cards for a large range of functions.

If you use your credit card daily for grocery shopping, school fees, entertainment and utilities, this card has many perks for you.

Benefits of the Standard Chartered Platinum Card:

  • Up to 50% discounts on entertainment, movies, dining and more
  • Up to 10% Cashback in grocery stores
  • Up to 10% Cashback on utility payments
  • Up to 10% Cashback on school fees payments

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Minimum salary to qualify: AED 5000
  • Interest rate: 3.33%
  • Annual fee: AED 525
  1. HSBC Platinum Credit Card

HSBC is a highly respected global bank that now offers customers their Platinum Credit without even needing to open a HSBC bank account. It offers a cash advance option, and is one of the best credit cards for UAE users who do much international business.

Benefits of the HSBC Platinum Credit Card:

  • 50% credit limit is available as a cash advance
  • 0% Balance fees for first 6 months
  • Free valet parking for 4 visits per month at various Dubai locations
  • Discounts on VOX Cinema tickets in the UAE
  • For every AED 1 spent on retail, earn 1 Air Mile

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Minimum salary to qualify: AED 15000
  • Interest rate 2.99%
  • Annual fee: AED 600
  • Foreign exchange 2.80%
  1. ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Card 

The ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Card is great for travellers. It is one of the best credit cards to use in the UAE for frequent flyers. Free air miles and valet parking are some of its benefits.

Benefits of the ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Card:

  • 50,000 Etihad Guest miles when you join
  • For every AED 4 (or equivalent) spent on international non-AED transactions, you will receive 3 Etihad Guest miles
  • For every AED 4 spent in the UAE, you will receive 2.2 Guest miles
  • Free companion ticket
  • Valet parking at selected locations in UAE
  • Free roadside assistance in the UAE all day, every day

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Minimum salary to qualify: AED 5000
  • Annual fee: AED 2000
  • Interest rate: 2.99%
  1. Majid Al Futtaim (Najm) Platinum Cashback Card 

This is one of the best cards in UAE for everyday spending and leisure. Its main benefit is no annual fees, and low interest charges.

Benefits of the Najm Platinum Cashback Card:

  • Up to 30% off on entertainment, shopping and dining at various outlets in UAE
  • Up to 50% in travel discounts
  • Cashback rewards of 1.5%-3% on Carrefour, 0.5% on daily expenditure.
  • Free movie ticket offers at VOX cinemas in the UAE.

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Minimum salary to qualify: AED 7000
  • Annual fee AED 0
  • Interest rate 3.25%
  1. NBAD GEMS MasterCard Credit Card 

This is one of the best credit cards to use in UAE for students. The NBAD Gems Credit Card offers discounts on school fees and entertainment.

Another benefit of this card is that it does not charge annual card fees.

Benefits of the NBAD GEMS Credit Card:

  • Up to 4.25% discount on annual school fees at any GEMS schools (paid in advance)
  • AED10 weekday tickets and AED 20 weekend tickets at Reel, Oscar and Cine Royal cinemas
  • Airport VIP lounge access
  • 5 NBAD rewards star for every 1 AED spent

Fees and charges for this credit card:

  • Minimum salary to qualify: AED 5000
  • Annual fee: AED 0
  • Interest rate: 3.25%
  • International transaction fees: 2.95%